Celebrating 2022-2023 Accomplishments

When Tiffany Sprague and I cofounded SAfG in 2014, we relied on research-based evidence to guide how we shaped our programming. That continues to guide our approach as we grow.

Scientific Adventures for Girls takes a holistic approach to create sustainable, transformative changes in girls' attitudes and perceptions of STEM. Our programs are designed to meet the unique and relevant needs of our students, combining technical and STEM knowledge and skills with social-emotional development – empowering them to challenge cultural and gender norms in STEM education and careers. 

Our goals focus on the best ways to empower young girls

At its core, the objective of SAfG's afterschool programming is to empower girls, especially girls of color, with the skills, confidence, and passion to explore and stay engaged in STEM.
Our goals:

  • Ignite Exploration. Provide young girls with hands-on opportunities to delve into STEM concepts, fostering a lifelong curiosity for these fields.

  • Foster Positive Attitudes. Instill a positive outlook towards STEM in girls from Kindergarten to 6th grade, developing determination and enthusiasm.

  • Build Solid Foundations. We focus on the crucial elementary school years to create a strong base, build confidence and pave the way for future STEM pursuits.

Our hands-on learning embeds these guiding principles:

  • Embrace Learning from Mistakes

  • Cultivate Tenacity 

  • Offer culturally relevant projects 

  • Ensure Safe Spaces for Creativity

  • Incorporate Collaborative Learning

  • Develop Practical Skills

  • Show Students Inspiring Role Models 

  • Involve Parents

To best know if SAfG is making progress on our goals, measure the effectiveness of our approach, and determine our impact, we conduct surveys every year with students and their parents/caregivers.

Evaluation outcomes and insights drive success

We believe in measuring our impact through a comprehensive lens, using both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Quantitative data is gathered by third-party independent proctors using a thoughtfully designed survey instrument. This tool evaluates students' STEM-related attitudes, identity, and engagement. Parents' feedback is an essential part of our evaluation process too. We need their perspectives on SAfG's impact of their daughters' attitudes, interests and activities outside the classroom. (We also survey school site coordinators to obtain their thoughts about the program and the girls’ experiences.)

Qualitative data is collected through interviews with program participants, offering rich narratives that shed light on the long-term effects of our programs on girls’ lives. To understand the journey beyond the classroom, we have conducted case studies, following 5 selected girls and their families over a period of 3 years to uncover where their continued STEM interest and engagement takes them.

Results show transformational change

Our 2022-2023 academic year results are nothing short of inspiring! With the help of generous funders and donors, SAfG made a substantial impact on girls' perceptions and attitudes about STEM.

Students

  • 81% liked the SAfG program

  • 82% like the projects and activities they did in SAfG classes

  • 71% want to return for another SAfG program

  • 77% know they can do science

  • 78% want to do more science because of SAfG

  • 71% know that they can be a scientist one day if they choose to

  • 100% met three STEM Role Models

Parents

  • 100% say the SAfG class was a success

  • 100% would recommend the SAfG class to others 

  • 99% enjoy discussing with their daughter what she learned in her SAfG class 

  • 88% say after taking SAfG class, their daughter’s interest in STEM changed and has become positive or very positive

  • 92% responded that their daughter has been exploring STEM in her spare time since starting SAfG

  • 97% say their daughter would like to participate in future SAfG programs 

  • 99% believe it is very important or extremely important their daughter stay engaged in STEM

  • 94.5% would like their child to have the option of getting a job in science, technology, engineering, or math 

Student responses clearly show positive change in their STEM interests, identities and beliefs that STEM careers are for them. Parent responses demonstrate the difference our family engagement makes and defines the changes they see in their daughters. 

Conducting more research for better understanding

This coming year, we’ll hold a Parent Focus Group to dive deeper into what parents need, what barriers keep their daughters from engaging in STEM, what other resources SAfG can provide, etc. We also plan to conduct a longitudinal study on the lasting effects of early STEM exposure, examining how our programs influence girls' outcomes in middle school, high school, and college. 

As we have from the start, SAfG will continue to evaluate our programming - over time – to make sure we are empowering young girls in STEM in the most relevant, powerful and lasting ways. 
- Courtenay Carr Heuer, SAfG Cofounder and Executive Director

Giselle Escajeda